Red Wings Surge Behind Raymond, DeBrincat, and Gibson in Centennial Season Push
As the NHL calendar flips toward its final stretch, the Detroit Red Wings are making their centennial season one to remember. With a 33-19-6 record, they’ve carved out a solid spot in the Atlantic Division, sitting third and tied with Montreal at 72 points. That’s not just a feel-good story-it’s a legitimate playoff push from a team that’s been building toward this moment for years.
And if you’re looking for reasons why this Red Wings squad feels different, start with the names at the heart of their resurgence: Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and John Gibson.
Raymond’s Breakout Year
Lucas Raymond has taken a noticeable leap in his third NHL season. At just 21, he's become Detroit’s most consistent offensive engine. With 19 goals and 41 assists through 56 games, Raymond has already hit the 60-point mark and is showing the kind of vision and poise that teams dream of developing in a top-six winger.
What’s most impressive is how Raymond blends creativity with control. He’s not just piling up points-he’s dictating tempo, creating space for teammates, and making the kind of plays that shift momentum. In a league that demands speed and intelligence, Raymond is checking every box.
DeBrincat Delivers the Goals
While Raymond’s been the setup man, Alex DeBrincat has been the finisher. The sniper leads the team with 30 goals, adding 27 assists for 57 points in 58 games. That’s the kind of production the Red Wings hoped for when they brought him in, and he’s delivered with a scorer’s touch that’s been missing from Detroit’s arsenal in recent years.
DeBrincat’s ability to find soft spots in coverage and fire with accuracy makes him a constant threat. Whether it’s on the power play or at even strength, he’s been the guy opponents have to account for every time he’s on the ice.
Copp’s Quiet Resurgence
One of the under-the-radar stories fueling Detroit’s push has been the resurgence of Andrew Copp. The veteran forward is quietly putting together what could be a career year, with 33 points (8 goals, 25 assists) in 58 games. He’s on pace to surpass his previous best of 42 points from the 2022-23 season.
Copp’s versatility has been key. He’s winning faceoffs, logging penalty kill minutes, and providing the kind of two-way play that doesn’t always show up in highlight reels but wins games. In a season where depth matters, Copp’s bounce-back has been a difference-maker.
Seider Anchors the Blue Line
On defense, Moritz Seider continues to be the cornerstone. The 23-year-old blueliner is on pace for a career-best offensive season, with 38 points (7 goals, 31 assists) in 58 games-tracking ahead of his 50-point Calder Trophy campaign.
But Seider’s value goes way beyond point totals. He leads the team in blocked shots (130), is third in hits (88), and carries a plus-13 rating.
He’s also tied for third in takeaways with 20, right alongside Ben Chiarot. In every zone and on every shift, Seider is setting the tone with physicality, smarts, and leadership beyond his years.
Gibson Finds His Groove
In net, Detroit has finally found stability-and maybe even something more. After a rocky start, John Gibson has settled in and become a steadying force. His early numbers (4-7-1, 3.59 GAA, .865 save percentage) were rough, but since then, he’s flipped the script in a big way.
Over his last 24 games, Gibson has gone 18-5-1 with a 2.11 goals against average and a .923 save percentage-numbers that put him among the league’s best during that stretch. Even with a slight dip before the Olympic break (losing four of his last five starts), Gibson’s turnaround has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s climb up the standings.
It’s not just the saves he’s making-it’s the confidence he’s inspiring. The Red Wings are playing with more poise in front of him, knowing they’ve got a veteran presence between the pipes who can bail them out when needed.
The Road Ahead
Now comes the hard part. Detroit faces the fourth-toughest remaining schedule in the NHL, and the pressure will only ramp up as the playoff race tightens. Ending a playoff drought that’s stretched nearly a decade won’t be easy-but this team looks ready for the fight.
With Raymond and DeBrincat leading the charge, Seider locking things down on the back end, and Gibson holding strong in net, Detroit has the pieces to make noise this spring. And while a Stanley Cup run might still be a stretch, this season is already proving to be a turning point.
In their 100th year, the Red Wings aren’t just celebrating history-they’re building a future worth watching.